Mud mixer



J. R. NOWERY Aug. 17, 1948.

MUD MIXER 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 14, 1945 attorneg Aug. 17, 1948. J NQWERY 2,447,202

Y MUD MIXER Filed Sept. 14, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 3nvefitor Y (Zzrraeaf Jwezy Aug. 17, 1948. J. R. NOWERY 2,447,202

MUD MIXER Filed Sept. 14, 1945 5 sheets-sneak Aug. 17, 1948. J. R. NOWERY MUD MIXER 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 14, 1945 3 2% W167; em

- (Zttorneg 17, 1948. J. R. NOWERY 2,447,202

MUD MIXER Filed Sept. 14, 1945 5 sheets-sheet 5 Zmneutor Gttorueg Patented Aug. 17, 1948 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MUD MIXER James Richard Nowery, Shreveport, La. Application September 14, 1945, Serial No. 616,239

11 Claims. 1

This invention pertains to a method and apparatus for the automatic introduction of admixes into the drilling fluid for wells. It is well known that the principal use for such fluids is with rotary drills in drilling oil and gas wells when the fluid is pumped through the drill stem to the drilling bit at the bottom of the hole, and then upwardly around the drill stem to the top of the ground. This functions to carryor float the cuttings from the bit to the top of the well and hold them in suspension when circulation is interrupted, to plaster the walls of the holes and to control any pressures encountered below the surface.

To accomplish this the fluid must be of the proper density and viscosity to give the fluid a greater specific gravity than water. Difierent chemicals and admixes may be used, which include phosphates, tannic acid compounds, caustic soda and soda ash, The admixes include weight materials, organic and chemical gel forming colloidal matter.

It is an object of this invention to provide an apparatus and method which permits of the accurate mixing of both powdered and liquid chemicals and admixes to the drilling fluid at a predetermined rate to insure the proper control, consistency and rate of flow of the fluid at all times.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a machine of such capacity for the chemicals and admixes that are to be used to insure uninterrupted operation for a run of several hours duration without further attention.

.A still further object is to eliminate the necessity of operators after the controls have been adjusted for the proper discharge of the dry and wet chemicals 7 and admixes.

Another object is to prevent a waste of the chemicals and admixes sincethe discharge from the storage containers can occur only when the mud stream is in motion and the mud motor is functioning.

Still another object is to permit of a plurality of admixes under control of the operator, dependent of the demand for changes in mixtures.

A still further object is to provide apparatus for easy dumping of the chemicals and admixes into the storage containers of the machine.

Another and still further object is to provide for the discharge of the exhaust drilling fluid from the mud motor-to the mud pits.

An" additional object is to provide for the discharge of the chemicals and admixes from the chemical storage containers with respect to the movement of the drilling fluid.

duits.

Another additional object is to provide apparatus for the proper agitation and mixing of the chemicals, admixes .and drilling fluid.

An additional and still further object is to provide for the screening and prevention of the entry; of foreign matter into the storage containers. 7

Another additional object is to provide. easy access to the interiors of the various portions of the apparatus for purposes of cleaning.

One more object of the invention is to provide for introduction of live steam or air into the liquid storage containers which, in addition to the mechanical agitators for the dry'storage containers, will serve to agitate, thoroughly mix, and hold in suspension, the chemicals contained in the Wet storage containers, thereby insuring the exact proportions for ready use at all times. w

The invention possesses other objects andfeatures of advantage, some of which, with the fore-1 going, will be set forth in the following-description of the preferred form of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the specification. It isto be understood, however, that the inVel'ltiOn'iS'SulS-r ceptibl e to variations in excess of the showing made in the accompanying drawings and description, and which may be adapted within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

With particular reference to thedrawings in which:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view-of the machine.

Figure 2 is an end elevation showing the mud motor and driving connections and fluid con- Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view through one of the wet chemical storage containers, taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 1, While Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 5-5 of Figure 1, through one of the dry chemical storage containers.

Referring specifically to the drawings, the reference numeral ll] refers to conventional oil field type skid base of welded steel construction, on which is mounted the dry chemical storage assembly l 2 and the Wet chemical storage tank assembly I4. These assemblies are formed from a fabricated steel body, including the three containers or bins I 6, l8 and 20, for the reception of dry chemicals, and the two wet chemical tanks 22 and 24. The dry bins are supported'by standards I3 and the wet tanks flange members l9 and I-beams 2| which form the skids of the base.

In the present instance, the three dry bins are designed for a capacity of 11 cubic feet while the wet chemical tanks have a capacity of 36 gallons. It is conceivable that containers of different capacity, or a number in excess of those shown, may be used. However, with the presently sized bins and tanks, the machine will run for several hours without adjustment or change and without refilling. 7

Each ofi'thedry-bins I63 I8 and 2H,. are equipped. with adjustable valves 26, 28 and 30, to permit the discharge therefrom at a fixed rate when the. machine is in operation. Similarly, the wet tanks 22 and 24, are provided with a plurality of valves for controlling the rate of flow. .However, the flow here is under the control, in each tank, of adjustable valves 32 and 3G, andtthrough horizontal pipes 36 fI'Om which the chemicals are dropped into the high pressure mixing chamber M which will be described later in more detail.

mud motor 40 is positioned adjacent the chemical storage assembly. Hi and consists of a.

steel case within whichisenclosedapaddle wheelor impeller I 15, which when the mud is flowing, actslike a waterw-heel andcauses' rotation: of the motor: I'he'stream of high pressure mud, introduced throughvalve or choke nipple, after passage through the motor fill, is: ejectdtherefrom through an outlet 39 toan openditch.

An agitator shaft 42, whichpasses'through the Bottom of the dry bins I-ET, lfi'and 'zif, andbelow the chemical bins 2'2 and- 24 and is-supported in bearings- 43, 45', 4-1; 49 and 511' Althoughin'the present disclosure the agitator shaft 4 2-- is located below' the chemicar bins 22* and- 24 it isconceiv able that-these bins could lie-lowered to permit the agitator'shaft to also pass-through-thesebins.

The'power T's-transmitted through the mud motor shaft 44 pulley 4 5*, l belt 4F and pulley 5B, the latter being mounted on agitator shaft 62: A take-up construction for the v belt connection i's-shown: generally at M. At the opposite end of the tank assembly is: another V-belt: connection which includes a pulley- 52- mounted on shaft 41', V--belt' 54, and a pulley 55 mounted ona screw-conveyor shaft 58. Agitators -fili are mount:- ed on the shaft 42' in the bins IF, it and 20 to keep the chemicals and" admixes sufiiciently loose and -pemnitofa ready flow-therefrom. Clean out plates 6| are indicated in Figure 5.

The screw conveyor shaft" EWis-mountediat 62 and 64 in the conveyor shaft casing 66 and has av blade 88; asindicat'ed in Figure 1 .v This blade is adapted to pick upandcarry the'chemicals and admixes through the casing 66 as they arev discharged in-the proper ratio-from the valve: open-. ings 26, 28 and 30 in the bottom ofbins. i6, ['8 and 25. These chemicals and admixes travel through the casing to the left in Figure 11 where they drop bygravity through the opening TU in the casing 66- which. is in communication with a vertical shaft 1 in a high: pressuremix- 7 ing chamber 14. I

Qpenings 6 with covers [8 are provided' for the wet chemical tanks 22' and 24 to receivethe chemicals. In order to agitate and more thoroughly mix and hold in suspension the chemical's contained in the two tanks 22" and 2'6, live steam water or air is provided from a source, the connection 86 only being shown, valve 82; pipe 8'4 which is aperturedat 86'.

Discharge ofthe wet chemicals from the tanks 22' and" 24' is made-through the openings 88, valve connections 99, valves 32' and 34; to the openlugs" 94 in thehigh pressure mixing chamber T41 An opening 96 is located in each of the bins i6, l8 and 20 to receive a basket-like screen 98 which is supported by the beads lilil. A cover I32 is provided for these openings which is pivoted at I04 to enable the cover to swing back and rest upon the handles I85. This construction permits of an easy dumping of the containers of chemicals and admixes while the basket-like screen sifts the chemicals and admixes and preeludes the" entryof foreignmatter which would tend to clog the discharge from the bins.

The apparatus is activated by a' high pressure stream of mud or drilling fluid which enters through conduit I66 to fitting H38 where it splits, part of the mud going through the control valve H0, piping H2; L H4 and then into the mud motor. After the force of the mud is spent in operating the motor, it is dis-charged through the large open port 39 into an open ditch. In the drawings, the control valve Ill] is provided with a handfwheel H6. for operation." However, choke nipples can be substitutedzfor'thisvalve I I'B,; and; a valve l'lBzcontrolling therateof mud from the; mud supply; The mud divertedat fitting wit. passes through conduitv I20- to the mixing; cha-me ber 14. It is. appreciated that: the volume. andi intensity of the high==p ressure mud enteringintm chamber 14 is'under. the-controh ofvalve; H8; orby the substituted choke nipple; while thefrateof flow: of the mud from its SOURCE. is under-the: control of thevalve H0, oritsysubstituted chokev nipple; Asa result the speed of rotation ofthe mud motor, transmits, and; controls;. the agitator shaft 42 and the conveyor shaft 58. A guardfor the mixing chamber is indicatedat. r2161. 7

' It can be appreciatedthat the dry chemicals: and admixes are discharged through. the vertical chutes I 2.- into the chamber I 4.; the wet chemicals. through conduits 9B, and the:mud:,or:drilling; fluid; under. pressure, through jet nozzle I24; The-introduction of the mud under pressure into the: mixing chamber serves to pick up and-absorb;the; dry and wet chemicals discharged into the. chamber. A connection I28 isprovidedgatthe opposite endof the: mixing chamber to; carry therdrilling; fluid stream through a flow line. to-t-he storage. pitsfor conditioned drilling fluid;

Operation The drilling mud enters-throughconduit I06 to the mud motor 40 under the controlof valve" or choke I I0 which regulates the rate of flowand speed of the mud entering the mud motor. The volume and intensity of' the mud going to the mixing'chamber- "is controlled by-valve or choke H8. The mud motor being operated by the flowof mud furnishes the power-to rotatethe'agit'ator shaft 42 tothoroughlymix the'dry chemicals and admixes in the bins. Power is transmitted through the V-belt connection 54' to the screw conveyor shaft 58 which further mixes the dry chemicals, as they drop at a predetermined rate and predetermined-ratio from valve openings 26, 28 and 30 and conveysthem to the endof the casing 66'. At this pointthey fall by gravity into vertical shaft T2 to the high pressure mixing chamber T4 and'then, with the wet chemicals alsodischarged' into the chamber 14 from valves 32 and 34', are mixed with the drilling mud under pressure from jetnozzle I24. Fromthis chamber, the thoroughly mixed mud and chemicals are carried to the'mud' or storagepits forrsubs'equent drilling operations.

Through the use of the present machine a. proper drilling fluid: is made' available for. a: rea

sonable period of time without further attention, the machine operating automatically as long as there is a flow of mud to the machine. By the useof this machine and regulation of the valves from the wet anddry and admix chemical containers, the rate of addition of these chemicals and admixes is under the definite control of the operator at all times.

While the form of embodiment of the invention as herein disclosed, constitutes a preferred form, it is to be understood that other forms may be adopted, all coming within the scope of the claims which follow.

What is claimed is as follows:

1. A machine for automatically mixing chemicals and admixes with drilling muds comprising a mud motor connected to asource of supply of mud under pressure, a valve-or choke nipple for controlilng the speed of rotation of said motor, a'plurality of dry and wet chemical and admix containers, discharge control means from said containers, a mixing chamber for said chemicals and admixes positioned adjacent said discharge control means, conveying means mounted in said chamber adapted to carry said chemicals and admixes emptying therein to the discharge end of said chamber, the rate of flow of the chemicals being controlled by the speed of the mud motor.

2. A machine for automatically mixing chemicals and admixes with drilling muds comprising a mud motor connected to a source of supply of mud under pressure, a valve or choke nipple for controlling the speed of rotation of said motor, a plurality of dry and wet chemical and admix containers, means for agitating the dry chemicals and admixes operated by said mud motor, discharge control means for said containers, a mixing chamber for said chemicals and admixes positioned adjacent said discharge control means, conveying means mounted in said chamber adapted to carry said chemicals and admixes emptying therein to the discharge end of said chamber, the rate of flow of the chemicals being controlled by the speed of the mud motor.

3. A machine for automatically mixing chemicals and admixes with drilling muds comprising a mud motor connected to a source of supply of mud under pressure, a valve or choke nipple for controlling the speed of rotation of said motor, a plurality of dry and wet chemical and admix containers, means for agitating the dry chemicals includin agitators mounted on a shaft passing through said dry chemical containers, said shaft being operatively connected to said mud motor, discharge control means for said containers, a mixing chamber for said chemicals and admixes positioned adjacent said discharge control means, conveying means mounted in said chamber adapted to carry said chemicals and admixes emptying therein to the discharge end of said chamber, the rate of flow of the chemicals being controlled by the speed of the mud motor.

4. A machine for automatically mixing chemicals and admixes with drilling muds comprising a mud motor connected to a source of supply of mud under pressure, a valve or choke nipple for controlling the speed of rotation of said motor, a plurality of dry and Wet chemical and admix containers, means for mixing and holding in suspension the wet chemicals in the tanks including a pipe positioned therein connected to a source of live steam, air or water, discharge control means for said containers, a mixing chamber for said chemicals and admixes positioned adjacent said discharge control means, conveying means mount- 6 ed in said'chamber adapted to carry said'chemicals and admixes emptying therein to the discharge end of said chamber, the rate of flow of the chemicals being controlled by the speed ofthe mud motor. 1

5. A machine for automatically mixing chemi; cals and admixes with drilling muds comprising a mud motor connected to a source of supply of mud under pressure, a valve for controlling the speed of rotation of said motor, a plurality of dry and wet chemical and admix containers, means for agitating the dry chemicals including agitators mounted on a shaft passing through said dry chemical containers,'said shaft being operatively connected to said mudrnotor, means for mixing and holding in suspension the wet chemicals in the tanks including a pipe positioned therein connected to a source of live steam, air or Water, discharge control means for said containers, a mixing chamber for said chemicals and admixes positioned adjacent said discharge control means, conveying means mounted in said chamber adapted to carry said chemicals and. admixes emptying therein to the discharge end of said chamber, the rate of flow of the chemicals being controlled by the speed of the mud motor.

6. A machine for automatically mixing chemicals and admixes with drilling muds comprising a mud motor connected to a source of supply of mud pressure, a valve or choke nipple for controlling the speed of rotation of said motor, a plurality of dry and wet chemical and admix containers, means for agitating the dry chemicals including agitators mounted on a shaft passing through said dry chemical containers, said shaft being operatively connected to said mud motor, a final mixing chamber for said wet and dry chemicals and said drilling mud, the rate of flow of each being controlled by said drilling mud at a predetermined ratio.

'7. A machine for automatically mixing chemicals and admixes with drilling muds comprising a mud motor connected to a source of supply of mud under pressure, a valve or choke for conrolling the speed of rotation of said motor, a plurality of dry and wet chemical and admix containers, means for agitating the dry chemicals and admixes including agitators mounted on a shaft passing through said dry chemical containers, said shaft being operatively connected to said mud motor, a final mixing chamber for said chemicals and said drilling mud, the rate of flow of each being controlled by said drilling mud, said drilling mud introduced into said chamber under control of a valve to vary the volume and intensity of said mud.

8. A machine for automatically mixing chemicals and admixes with drilling muds comprising a mud motor connected to a source of supply of mud under pressure, a valve or choke for controlling the speed of rotation of said motor, a plurality of dry and wet chemical containers, means for agitating the dry chemicals including agitators mounted on a shaft passing through said dry chemical containers, said shaft being operatively connected to said mud motor, a final mixing chamber for said chemicals and said drilling mud, the rate of flow of each being controlled by said drilling mud, a valve in said mud motor to vary the volume and intensity of said mud.

9. An automatic machine for mixing chemicals and admixes with drilling mud which comprises means for the introduction of mud under pressure to a mud motor and to a mixing chamber, means for introducing chemicals and admixes into said chamber at .a predetermined rate, the proportionate discharge of said chemical and admix being controlled. by the speed of said mud motor.

10. An automatic machine for mixing chemicals and admixes with drilling mud which comprises means for the introduction of mud under pressure to a mud motor and to a mixing chamher, means for introducing chemicals and admixes into said chamber at a predetermined rate including valves or chokes to control the discharge of the chemicals and admixes from the source of supply, proportionate chemical discharge means operated and controlled by the speed-of said mud motor.

11.. An automatic machine for mixing chemicalsand admixes with drilling mud which comprises a mud motor, means for introducing mud to said motor under pressure and to said mixing chamberunder pressure, means for introducing chemicals and admixes into said chamber at a. predetermined rate to efiect the thorough mixing 8. of said mud,chemicalsand admixes,:said chemical and admix introduction means. operated and controlled by the speed of said mud motor.

JAM-ES RICHARD NQWERE REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

, UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name: Date 112,849 Roberts Mar;.21, 1871 765,975 Hooley July 26, 1 .904 1,095,719 Egan May 5, 1914 1,105,555 Farnhan July 28-, 1 914 1,514,118 Wright Nov. 4, 1924 1,566,008 Hinrichs Dec. 15, 1925 1,649,062 Hal'liburton Nov. 15, 1927 2,142,270 Vander Henst Jan. 3, 1939 2,338,174 Garrison. Jan. 4, 1944 2,359,923 Lawless Oct. 10, 1944 

